Savory Gouda Muffins with Ham and Shallot Topping

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (top/bottom heat). Finely dice the shallots, cut the ham into small squares, and coarsely grate the Gouda. Heat the olive oil in a pan and sauté the shallots until translucent. Add half of the ham and the raw cane sugar and caramelize everything sharply for a few minutes.

In a large bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. Add milk and eggs and stir to form a smooth batter. Fold in the grated cheese, the remaining half of the ham, and the finely chopped basil. Season with salt and ground coriander.

Fill paper or silicone muffin cups about 3/4 full with the batter. Distribute the caramelized shallots and ham evenly as a topping on the muffins. Bake in the preheated oven for approx. 35 - 40 minutes. Check with a wooden skewer to see if the muffins are baked through (no dough should stick to the skewer).